Our plan is to use this space to share information and ideas about mesquite wood and the trials and tribulations of making mesquite furniture. We are by no means experts on mesquite but Lou has decided to dedicate the rest of his life to learning to use this wood and uncovering the many mysteries we know it holds.

Monday, December 31, 2012

"Drifting" along in December

We picked up Lou Quallenberg's "Drift" Mesquite Slab Coffee Table from The13th Annual Texas Furniture Makers Show this month and brought her to the shop to be stripped and then refinished. Lou's standards are very high and since the finish was rushed in order to get the piece to the show on time, he felt he needed to strip it and redo it. Apparently the judges had no problem with the finish since they awarded "Drift" the "Best Texas Style" Award and the WOODCRAFT® Sponsor Award at the 13th Annual Texas Furniture Makers Show. We also finally got "Drift" into the photography studio for a few beauty shots. But the very best news of all is that "Drift" was also delivered to her new home in the Hill Country this month!

The name "Drift" came to us as Lou was working on the piece. The sculpted part of this floating three part table almost looked like a piece of driftwood. One artist observer commented "mermaid" about the piece. "Drift" is a new concept piece "including the sculpture or art into the actual coffee table." We have looked and not seen anything else like it online or otherwise. It is definitely the direction that Lou's work will move in as he continues to stretch and grow artistically. Much more sculptural and artistic but still functional.

"Drift" Description:This new concept piece for the artist represents an evolution in his distinct design style.
The piece combines and incorporates his signature, sculpted, live-edge
style with a more sculptural, art piece, edge slab. This Texas mesquite
coffee table features the artist's signature floating top as well as a
floating, sculptural, conversation piece, edge slab. The “float” is
achieved atop seven stainless steel pins, welded to four steel bars that
are screwed into routered grooves in the table top. The base was kept
straight and simple to keep the focus on the sculptural top. A black
epoxy is used to fill selected holes cracks and crevices. Lou attempts
to draw the soul of the tree into each piece he creates. If you get a
chance to look at and touch his work you will probably find it talking
to you, maybe even singing. It is a goal Lou Quallenberg tries to reach
in each of his pieces. Dimensions: 16” height x 32” width x 104” length

Interestingly the name "Drift" was used by Snarkitecture of Brooklyn,New York for their really incredible pavilion entrance at this years Design Miami. Guess the name was "drifting" around and landing on the hearts and minds of artists here and there.We are really glad because now Design Miamiis on our radar and who knows perhaps our future?

We have been so wonderfully blessed this year with clients and collectors that REALLY get what Lou Quallenberg Studios is all about. A recent email from a client included this message:

Dear Lou,

.............You are one of these rare masters, who
pay attention to all details and create timeless objects of beauty.

Here is a fragment of the poem that came to my mind as I unwrapped the blanket:

All are architects of Fate,
Working in these walls of Time;
Some with massive deeds and great,
Some with ornaments of rhyme.

Nothing useless is, or low;
Each thing in its place is best;
And what seems but idle show
Strengthens and supports the rest.

For the structure that we raise,
Time is with materials filled;
Our to-days and yesterdays
Are the blocks with which we build.

In the elder days of Art,
Builders wrought with greatest care
Each minute and unseen part;For the Gods see everywhere.Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

As December and 2012 drift to a close we THANK YOU for your support of this mesquite furniture making adventure. We wish you a beautiful and wonderful New Year, full of health, wealth, wisdom and most of all family and friends!